The Slow Pace Of Life In Murud
As soon as I checked in at Golden Swan Beach Resort in Murud, my fatigue of a long journey had kind of eased. I was warmly welcomed by the resort staff and offered a delicious welcome drink. I was delighted to see my spacious sea facing room and foyer. I quickly freshened up and enjoyed my much needed heart-satisfying lunch. Though I had a bad headache, I still loitered around a little bit to admire the Portuguese style architecture of the resort, which reminded me of Goa.
In fact, all through the way from Alibaug to Murud, I had a feeling that I was back to Goa. The coconut plantations, the countryside, the cattle and the olden style houses were all like what I had seen in Goa. So I was already hopeful and happy about what would unfold in Murud.
Also read: Dehna – A Bucolic Escape From Mumbai
Time for some Konkani spices
After lunch, I closed my eyes for a brief afternoon nap so that I would wake up fresh for the Konkani Cooking Class that was scheduled in the evening. I think that was the best part of my stay at Golden Swan Beach Resort. I, along with my fellow bloggers, got a fabulous opportunity to learn the authentic way of cooking Konkani food from a well-skilled chef. Although I am not much of a cook myself, I enjoyed being a spectator while several dishes were being prepared one after the other.
Murud – A place photographers would love to stalk
Besides the excellent hospitality that I received at the resort, I lapped up the subtle charms of Murud alongside – the coastal village life, the unruffled atmosphere, the quiet beauty of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Although beaches and the abandoned Janjira Sea Fort are the highlights of Murud, I personally loved its sights and sounds in the alleyways, along the shore and in the market places. Murud has lots of character and uniqueness for a photographer to capture. I wish I had hopped off the Tumtum (local auto) to wander through the town and take more photographs.
The joy of being near the beach
Golden Swan Beach Resort turned out to be a perfect way to experience the slow life of Murud. Whether it was the sound of cascading waves in the lull of night or the glow of morning sun, everything hinted at slowing down to embrace the romance of it all.
Since the resort is tucked along the sea shore, it’s an ideal place to just be ‘idle’ and not be guilty about it. I liked the idea of ambling on the beach anytime on my whim, or simply reclining in a chair to watch sunset. I’d say the beach resort is a haven for readers, writers, poets, daydreamers and basically anybody seeking fun.
In my opinion, Murud deserves longer stays than just the weekends. I’d very much like to go there again and spend at least a week at the beach resort and explore Murud more intimately.
Practical Information – Murud is around 162 km from Mumbai by road. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Gateway Of India to Mandwa and then a connecting bus to Alibaug (in the same fare), and finally take a bus from Alibaug to Murud. The journey takes around 4 hours.
Note: I was at Golden Swan Beach Resort on invitation. All opinions and photographs, as always, are my own.
Is Murud the kind of place you would like to explore?
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